UPDATE: Two arrested after boy shot with air gun

Two men have been arrested following a police search, involving a helicopter and dog units, after a teenage boy was shot in the leg.

Officers received a report of an armed man in an alleyway in the Wratting Road area of Haverhill.

The report was made to police at about 5pm on Tuesday evening, prompting the response.

The firearm turned out to be an air pistol.

The helicopter circled over the town for around 25 minutes as its crew worked with officers on the ground searching the Wratting Road and Chalkstone Estate areas of the town.

A police spokesman said: “Police were called just after 5pm on Tuesday, April 7, to reports of a man seen with what was believed to be a gun in an alleyway off Wratting Road, Haverhill.

“Local officers were immediately sent to search the area, assisted by the dog and helicopter units.

“A 16-year-old boy was identified as having been shot in the leg with an air pistol.

“This has left him with a small red mark on his shin.”

It is understood the boy is recovering well from the incident and police are keen to speak to anyone who may have any information about the case.

Today, Wednesday, April 8, police have arrested two 18-year-old men on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident. Both have been taken into custody at Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre where they will be interviewed by officers.

Inquiries to identify the suspects are continuing.

Police are looking to trace two white males aged in their late teens.

Anyone with information about this incident, or about those believed to be responsible, is asked to contact Haverhill Police on 101 quoting crime reference HH/15/805.